Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Hey, Friends! Today I am so excited to show y'all the main part of our house... the family room and kitchen! Well... part of the kitchen. My plan was to show everything today, but then I took one million and seven photos and decided to split it into two posts instead.

I was having lighting issues :) Lots of natural light is great... until you're trying to take pictures directly into it. hahaha

The HUGE windows are gorgeous and we love all the light they let in in the afternoon... it's never actually direct sun, and I can't wait until it cools down and I don't have to keep them closed all day.

(I typically keep them closed to help keep the house cool... we like it CHILLY which can be hard when it's 100+ degrees outside!!!)

The paint was from the previous owner and while it's not my absolute favorite, I'm not ready to fully commit to a different color since having it painted will involve scaffolding and all that. Plus, we're considering drywalling in the half wall in the loft/playroom (the noise carries downstairs like crazy!) so we'd need to do that first before having everything painted.

In our old family room we had dark leather furniture and while I LOVE leather, we wanted to go lighter and brighter this time. We absolutely ADORE the sectional that we ended up getting. You can find it HERE.

The green paint in the kitchen gave me a run for my money and honestly, I'm only about 70% sold on it. I tested 6 or 8 different greens and while I really do like this one (Lafonda Olive by Valspar), it's a little brighter than what I had in my head. Dave loves it and so we're sticking with it for now. If we do end up painting the family room I may end up loving the green. I think what throws me off is it up next to that taupey color and brown curtains.

The curtains were also left from the previous owner, and I have them up for now, but am saving up for 6 of these panels.

The mirror you can find HERE and the wreath I picked up in Waco at Magnolia Market. I'm still debating whether I want to hang it, or just leave it leaning. I think I may leave it leaning so I can change the mantle up from time to time. I would also love to find a mirror similar to this one but about twice as large and eventually hang that there. The wall is two stories and so something giant would be great.

The sectional came with navy and white pillows, so we paid a little bit extra to have them switched out for fabrics we picked. I chose the solid brown with the intention of being able to switch the patterned pillows out seasonally (how great would a few of THESE look in a couple of months?!?!)

Behind the couch leading into the master bedroom. The rug was from our old house and again, hoping to switch it out for this one(in runner size) at some point.

Up top is the half wall we're wanting to close in.... and you can see why I'm hesitant to jump into a paint decision too quickly.

The sweet tea sign I picked up HERE (it's unavailable there, but in stock HERE) and if you know us at all you know how appropriate it is ;)

The coffee table you can find HERE and I love the open shelf and drawers (that open from both sides)

The kids keep their library books in the drawers for easy access for pre-bedtime reading.

I love all things galvanized and this two tier tray gives some height to the coffee table and holds our coasters, remotes and candle. Essentials :) I picked it up from this website.

Since the house is older, there was this odd little built-in nook area designed to hold your TV... well... TV's have changed a lot since the house was built so I tried to make use out of the space using a tiered stand I found at HomeGoods and this lamp(the base is under $30 and the shade is $12!).

The sign above the chair is from Vine and Branches and it's the lyrics to Oh, Holy Night.

Truly he taught us to love one another, his law is love and his gospel is peace.

Even though it's a Christmas song I love the lyrics so much I think I'm going to leave it up year round.

Since we didn't put our TV in the designated nook, we bought this consoleand I absolutely adore it!

I knew we wanted to mix wood tones with black and the paned doors sealed the deal.

The crate on the hearth I picked up at HomeGoods with the intention of putting it in that bottom section of the nook area, but it was too tall. It would fit if I took the wheels off, but I can't make myself do that since I love it with the wheels. So for now it's holding blankets and being used for stuffed animal races ;)

The family room opens up right into the kitchen and eat-in area...

The eat-in space was HUGE and since our old table was going in the dining room, I had this table made HERE. They were so incredibly NICE and easy to work with in picking out exactly what we wanted. We went with the Willow Isley table (I believe it's 7' long) and had the bottom stained black and the top stained dark brown (it's hard to tell in these super bright pictures). We ordered 2 sets of the Double X chairs, one pair of another style (which I don't see on the website anymore) and then had a bench made to go along one side. I originally wanted all chairs, but knew that with kids and friends and parties and all of that that the bench would be the most functional and practical option.

I'm hosting a shower in a few weeks and already have plans to put the bench in the family room for extra seating which will leave that side of the table open for accessing food and drinks. The bench is 6' long so it will slide right under the table.

Isn't it pretty???

The centerpiece is pretty basic right now. A distressed tray I grabbed at HomeGoods, a topiary, mercury glass candle and photo. Easy.

The windows in this area are my FAVORITE. We have two really large side yards and I love looking out and seeing the trees and the playhouse.

There are windows on the other side as well and the door that goes out to the patio.

Home Sweet Home Rug can be found HERE (and it's on sale for under $10!)

There is typically a lot of this going on at the table at any given time ;)

I originally orderedthis sofa table to go where the leopard rug is, but I'm so happy with where it ended up.

I've loved mixing up the decorating on the table and have a feeling it's going to be where I do a lot of my seasonal decorating.

On one end is a maiden hair fern that I found at a shop in downtown McKinney along with another Vine and Branches sign and this candle. The cake stand was a HomeGoods find and the terra cotta pot is just one of the inexpensive ones you can pick up at any garden center. I love that over time they patina and age. The basket you can find HERE and the frame I grabbed at World Market years ago.

One of my most favorite pictures EVER!!!

I loved the table as it came, but felt like it would be even better with some unique hardware. I love adding hardware to tables like this because it's easy to switch it out and get a new look for relatively little cost. The hardware I put on is sold out, but I have my eye on THESE for whenever I want to change it up a bit.

The coral I got during our trip to Trade Days a few weeks ago and the trays were a daily deal on Decor Steals.

The lantern I picked up at HomeGoods and the letter M I got at a shop downtown McKinney when I used to work there on the weekend (pre-kids. hahaha)

This is no secret... but I love lamps. LOVE lamps. I know some of y'all aren't lamp people, but I absolutely can't live without them. My mom always had lamps growing up and even as a kid I found it so strange when I would go to friends houses and they didn't have lamps on at night - just the overhead lights. I sincerely feel like lamps and plants make a WORLD of difference. I love lamps on during the day, but at night I love how cozy lamps make a space...

I rarely comment, but feel like I owe you a thank you! When you posted about letting your kids mak their own choices and way back you wrote about being a 'yes mom'- I put that to work yesterday. As a working mom, with working mom guilt- I pulled my son out of camp,yesterday and we spent 7.5 hours at an amusement park just the two of us! I told him he could make the decisions on what we do all day (except when it was time for a bathroom break)..... And that strategy was the best. It was so nice to go with the flow and there was no nagging or whining! Love following along with your adventures!

I love lamps too!! They're the first thing I turn on and the last thing I turn off everyday! And love love love what you've done with the space. Remember I used to joke about me just showing up in your amazing backyard? That's gonna happen in this living room because it's so cozy!

If you are looking for a larger piece to go above your mantle then Ballard Designs has the exact same mirror you have above it already but it's huge! I just got my catalog yesterday and was browsing and saw it. It would look great above your mantle if you want to keep the same look!Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

Both spaces look really good, I like your color choices it opens the space up even more than what it appears it already is. The floor plan looks really good, I'm normally not a two story house person because most tend to be "stacked" with lower ceilings but after seeing yours I'm starting to rethink it. Very nice-thanks for sharing.

I absolutely love what you have done to make this space home! Your decor is inspiring and makes me so excited for the day we get to buy a house and actually decorate it! I love your style, it's just so homey and comforting. And that green is perfect! It looks amazing in these pictures -I'm going to remember that paint color for sure :) Lamps are y favorite too and I love how you have them everywhere. At night I only want lamps lit too, it just makes the house feel warm and cozy, even in the summer. Love this space and what you've done with it! Wanna help me decorate when we move? ;)

Your house!!!! You make me want to move and start all over. I love all your little touches. It could be a model home yet it is warm and personal. If you ever give up teaching, you should be a decorator and I'll be your first client. :D

Just recently started reading your blog! Your house looks great! Love your style! Just wanted to make note that Home Depot sells the exact chairs that you have in your eat-in area. They are unfinished chairs and sold as a set of two for almost half the price as NR. I just bought 4 of these chairs to stain (or you could paint) to go with my farmhouse dining table. http://www.homedepot.com/p/International-Concepts-Unfinished-Country-French-Chair-Set-of-2-C-219P/204757671

Your home is so comfy and welcoming! I know what you mean about the taupe paint. Our whole entry/living area is 2-story and I'm not crazy about the dark tan the previous owners had. But two years later, I am still living with it because it would be such a huge task to repaint! Love all your decorating choices!

So gorgeous!!! Great job making that house a home! I love the green, but I agree that the brown curtains are throwing it off. Those linen Pottery Barn curtains will look amazing! You may need to do an after-after post! ;)

Love your family room!! I am a lamp person too and my parents only turned on the big overhead lights when it was Christmas morning and we needed to see what we were unwrapping. LOL My husband's family is an overhead light type and so he doesn't really get it. To him it was more the having to turn the lamps on and off each night for bed. So we rigged up a remote that turns both of our living room lamps off when we click it and it's saved our marriage in many ways. Hahaha! I personally love the green color you chose and think it looks great!

Hello from Fort Worth - Love your home and your blog. Just found out a good friend of mine at church loves your blog, too- Birds of a Feather. It's good to use the internet for encouragement and inspiration. You have definitely done that for me over the last year. Thank You!

P.S. I love seeing Gigi - I have a 3 year old Anastasia who is just a few months younger than G. Gigi and Ana would definitely have some fun together.

Hello from Fort Worth - Love your home and your blog. Just found out a good friend of mine at church loves your blog, too- Birds of a Feather. It's good to use the internet for encouragement and inspiration. You have definitely done that for me over the last year. Thank You!

Love your new house! It's so fun to get to decorate a new home (especially when you get to buy a few new things as well)! Random note: Here is another great option for linen unlined curtains that I have used several times in interior decorating. They're longer than most (but are easy to hem) and they're a steal at $15 a panel (on sale now). They quality is great especially for the price. Just thought I'd pass it along...cause we "3-kids crazy" mamas got to stick together! :) http://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Decorative-Accessories/Curtains-Drapery/Beige-56%22-x-96%22-Solid-Linen-Curtain-Panel/p/93815

Your house is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!! What a transformation in just a short time!Have you considered painting your kitchen/family room area all in a soft gray? We had green and gold in our home and I used to love it! We decided to go gray (SW Agreeable Gray) throughout and it's now my favorite. Made our space flow! Can't wait to see what you decide to do with that half wall! I LOVE your blog!!!!!

Thanks! It was lovely before, but it's been nice to put our spin on things :) I've considered gray... but I'm not sure how it would look up against our cabinetry.... I'm afraid anything too light will just wash together. I'm so glad that you're loving the blog! I so appreciate the feedback!

Everything looks so awesome, but I'm totally in love with your kitchen (paint color and the gorgeous farm table)! I'm with you on lamps - my husband wants recessed lighting in our living area and I could care less b/c I would never use them! Looks beautiful, Andrea!

I think your home is so lovely! We are decor soul sisters! Thank you for all the links! I really do like the green in the kitchen! I have used way too many ! in this comment but can't stop, won't stop! I'm saving this post to refer back to!On another note, thanks for sharing about letting kids make some choices, etc. We just took in a four year old and are adjusting to life with kids. She's a doll and we have had success already with letting her have input but not total control. So helpful!

Sounds like you have great taste :) hahaha And I love a good !!! so keep on keeping on!!!I'm so glad the choices tip is working well for you. I'd have to go back and flip through our materials but it was something like every time you let them make a choice/decision/have input you're making a deposit and then when you need to make a withdrawal (i.e. you HAVE to wear these khakis today) it's not as big of a deal to them because they have this little stockpile already. I HIGHLY recommend Love and Logic!

Love, love, love! You have such a gift for making your space cozy, comforting and inviting. Those niches are HARD to decorate ( I have several) and you nailed it. In fact, I'll be doing some copying for my own. May the Lord grant you many happy memories in this sweet home:).

Love, love, love everything you have done!! That kitchen table is awesome!! I agree with you on lamps and candles. Nothing like it in the evening time. One question, I clicked the link to look for the two tier galvanized trays. I can't find them. I'm sure I am just missing them.

Hi! Ever since you posted the y'all wooden floor lamp in your front entry area I have been on a hunt for it. I know you got it at home goods and that is hit and miss but so you know the brand by any chance?

I also love the tall floor lamp next to your couch. Where did you get that one? Or a brand?

You have such a great eye for decorating with those little touches! I like the green in your kitchen area! Greens can be tricky. I got lucky and love the one I picked out for my house. It's Herbal Wash by Sherwin Williams. We were not so lucky on the green we picked for the exterior brick on our house. That was a $700 redo to try a new green paint! We got lucky the second time around!

I apologize if you've already answered this :) but where is the floor lamp purchased from that is beside your new sectional? Thanks! lsevier@buntingroup.com if it's easier to email - love your style - thanks for letting us peak into your home and life!